Sports

By TOM SHEA Sports Reporter

Related Photos

Jesus Sanchez scores a layup during last week's 48-33 loss to Paraclete. Sanchez led THS with eight points on the night. Photo by Michael Duffy

Jon Pezzillo drives to the lane for the Braves in JV basketball action. Tehachapi will have another home game this Tuesday against Burroughs. Photo by Michael Duffy

The Braves opened up the season last Monday at home in a 48-33 losing effort to Paraclete.

The Spirits finished the first quarter with a 10-4 advantage, edging out Mountain Basketball by just a basket in the second and third quarters for the eventual win.

Tehachapi (0-1) is still in the process of finalizing their roster, but the coaching staff was encouraged by the performances of many of the players in live action.

"It's a process right now of just figuring out the strengths of our players and who can do what," said head coach Bruce Schkade. "We had final cuts last week and we'll be able to have our roster finalized for this Tuesday's game against Burroughs."

Jesus Sanchez led the Braves with nine points, followed by John Danielson with eight points, two coming by way of three pointers.

Bryan Cotta also had six points and Kris Breedlove had five points to lead other scorers.

"Right now, everything is new and our players are learning how to play together as a team," added Schkade. "This is the time to learn and get better. Last season we were in contention for a league title and we want to get in position to do the same thing again this year."

The Braves had another home game Tuesday against Burroughs-Ridgecrest, after the deadline for this week's paper.